Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Montemayor Announces

Montemayor Announces as Candidate for Change in Texas House District 127

CROSBY, TX (December 31, 2007) – Joe A. Montemayor, a retired federal immigration Officer and small business owner in Crosby, announces his candidacy for State Representative District 127. After a successful career with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Montemayor will continue to devote his life to public service and will focus his campaign on: Utilizing best practices to improve public safety and security; meeting the challenges of fast-growth school districts and improving public education; improving quality of life and productivity through effective environmental policies; and ensuring that services for Seniors, the disabled, and Veterans are vastly improved and made more accessible.

As a long-time law enforcement officer, Montemayor is concerned about law enforcement shortages, current recruitment practices, and creating incentives that allow agencies to keep their best officers. “The public seems to have lost faith in our government’s ability to provide effective law enforcement services,” said Montemayor, “we must revise our standards to ensure the best-trained, best-paid officers are available around the state of Texas.”

District 127 is home to fast-growth school districts, such as Humble I.S.D., as well as school districts in Huffman, Crosby, Channelview, Goose Creek, and Galena Park. Montemayor is concerned about the current legislature’s lack of commitment to adequately funding our local school districts. “The children of District 127 are the future of Texas, both as taxpayers and as part of our workforce,” said Montemayor adding, “an investment in our future will ensure that we have a well-educated workforce that is prepared to serve our growing business community.” A chief issue which Montemayor will place at the forefront of the education debate is the percentage of funding the state invests in schools. “Our children and families rightfully expect the best possible education that Texas can offer; I will fight to ensure that we honor the Texas Constitution and increase the state’s investment into the system.”

During his career with ICE Montemayor ascended through the ranks, where he gained leadership experience that will be useful in the Texas House. “It takes a leader to stand up for what’s right, and the voters of District 127 deserve a leader who will fight for their safety, their future, and their well-being,” said Montemayor.

In 2006, Diane Trautman mounted a challenge to District 127’s incumbent representative, achieving 40% of the vote—a noted improvement to previous challenges. That election proved that voters are ready for change and are fed up with the status quo. When Trautman decided to run for Tax Assessor-Collector in 2008, Montemayor felt a duty to continue the drive for change and the good work that Trautman began. “The Republican-led Texas House has not served District 127 well--I will be the candidate for change. I will work hard to improve the way that the people’s business is conducted in Austin,” said Montemayor.

After serving in the United States Navy, Montemayor joined the former-Immigration and Naturalization Service in 1978 and served the nation for 26 years, retiring from the Department of Homeland Security/Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Montemayor also served his colleagues as Chief Steward and Vice President of the American Federation of Government Employees, Local 3332.

He is now a small business owner in Crosby, TX, where he resides with his wife of 29 years, Noemi. They have three children and four grandchildren. The Montemayors are members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Crosby. At his previous parish, Our Lady of Sorrows, Joe served as Grand Knight and Deputy Grand Knight of the 3rd Degree with the Knights of Columbus. He has also served as an active member of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the Disabled Veterans Association, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.

District 127 includes the communities of Kingwood, Atascocita, Huffman, Channelview, Barrett Station, Crosby, and Highlands.

To learn more about the Montemayor campaign, please visit his website at www.votejoemonte.com. You can also contact the candidate directly at votejoemonte@gmail.com or 281-452-6888.